Buenos Aires is a city brimming with culture. It’s alive with art, music, science, and sports. Lush Jacaranda trees grow in the shadows of colorful architecture. There’s a vibrant energy unique to Buenos Aires that is quite captivating. Here, we’ll delve into the highlights of this magnificent metropolis and introduce you to hidden gems and historical treasures you’ll only find in the one-of-a-kind destination of Buenos Aires.

There is much to get excited about in this city. You’ll find cafes, restaurants, and a thriving nightlife scene. You’ll stroll streets lined with parks and green space, unique stores with treasures you won’t find anywhere else, stunning examples of architecture old and new, and residents who welcome you with charm and hospitality. 

The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

When you first arrive, you’ll note that Buenos Aires is a large, bustling, cosmopolitan city. After all, it is the capital of Argentina. The city itself has a population of over 3 million residents. If you look at the overall metropolitan area, you’ll note the population is well over 15 million. The geographic size of Buenos Aires is about 5 times the size of Manhattan. 

You’ll find towns within this larger-than-life city. Because Buenos Aires is so massive the residents flock to neighborhoods known for their local culture. Palermo, one of the largest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, is a popular place for tourists and locals to see and be seen. This trendy locale is chock-full of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife. 

There are smaller “sub” neighborhoods in port-side Palermo as well. Soho, like the NYC neighborhood for which it's named, is known for fashion, design, and street culture. Hollywood got its moniker because of the movie studios and television, radio, and film companies based there. It’s artsy and trendy with plenty of opportunity to dine and relax as you people watch. 

The Markets of Buenos Aires

The Central Plaza, Plaza Serrano, hosts a market, or feria, on Saturdays with all kinds of vendors selling everything from spices to clothing to leather goods. The Plaza, located in the Soho neighborhood, has an authentic bohemian vibe. Support a local artist and take home a unique piece as a souvenir of your trip, or simply stroll the Plaza and enjoy watching street artists play music and practice their craft.

Another market that’s popular among visitors and locals alike is the San Telmo Market. This is a wonderful example of the new style of markets around the world. The San Telmo feria is quite large and offers ample opportunity to stroll, browse, and become part of the local culture if only for an afternoon. 

If you are a carnivore you’ll have the time of your life as you stroll the market and catch the mouth-watering aromas of some very tasty specialties. As mentioned, Argentina is renowned for its beef. There are stalls that offer local takes on steak, tenderloin and delicacies such as blood sausage and small beef intestines. Another tasty treat is Choripan, a pork sausage traditionally served with chimichurri. 

Open on Sundays, the market offers a chance to sample local foods and browse through beautiful, hand-crafted artisanal goods along with stunning antiques and glass ornaments. 

The Parque Rivadavia, itself a great green space destination in Buenos Aires, has a daily Feria de Libros, or book market. Here you’ll find books of all kinds along with vintage magazines that celebrate the Buenos Aires fashion scene going back decades, as well as the most celebrated teams of 80s soccer and some interesting examples of Americana. 

There are smaller markets and “pop-up” stalls throughout the city. If you like to meander and look for one-of-a-kind trinkets or some awesome vintage fashion, Buenos Aires delivers.

Recoleta

The barrio, or neighborhood, of Recoleta, is an upscale and upper-crust area with architecture that rivals the lavish townhouses of Paris. Here is where you’ll find the most posh boutiques as well as former palaces that speak to the grandeur of the upper-class neighborhood of Recoleta. 

One of the most famous sites in Recoleta is the cemetery. It is truly a phenomenon and very much a town unto itself. With many renowned and interesting “residents”. This must-see tourist site is open daily from 8-6 the cemetery invites the public to stroll the labyrinthian paths and wander past the towering baroque, Neo-gothic, art nouveau, and art deco mausoleums, architectural stunners all. 

You’ll find intriguing history, such as the final resting place of a bride who died on her honeymoon and is interred in a mausoleum that’s a replica of her childhood bedroom. A statue of Liliana Crociati, memorialized in her wedding gown, is beside the tomb. And you’ll see the famous as well. Eva Peron is likely the most famous interred at the Recoleta Cemetery.

The Teatro Colón

Once a renowned opera house, the stunning Teatro Colón is now one of the most breathtaking bookstores in existence. The original Teatro was constructed in 1857 as a cultural habitat for the art and music of Argentina. The first Teatro was demolished in 1888 and a new, more ornate building was designed by famed Argentinian architect, Francesco Tamburini. There were some bumps along the road (Tamburini and his protégé both died and funds ran out) but in 1908 what is considered one of the world’s greatest opera houses, opened its doors.

Over the years and political tumult, the opera house began to show signs of neglect. After an extensive renovation, the Teatro Colón reopened in all its former glory and then some. Then, in 2000, the Teatro underwent another transformation. This time, the space was transformed into what National Geographic dubbed “The Most Beautiful Bookstore in The World”.

Much of the stunning beauty remains. The ornate interior beckons to book lovers and those who simply want to view such a glorious venue. The velvet-curtained stage, once a prominent place for Argentina’s legendary taco artists, holds a cafe where patrons may sit and simply take it all in. From the lofty opera boxes to the original frescos, this bookstore is at the top of the list of sites in Buenos Aires. Close your eyes, and you can almost envision the tango performers in their salty dance.

The Culture of Buenos Aires 

Speaking of the Tango, according to history, it’s believed the sultry, lusty dance originated in the streets of Buenos Aires. Much like the Tango music itself, the dance was born of a combination of cultures.  From African, European, and Cuban roots came the distinct style of music and dance we know today as “Tango”. What began as a celebration of music and movement deep in the impoverished areas of the city, Tango soon grew in popularity among the more affluent of Buenos Aires and, eventually, the world. 

Today, you can see tango performances in Milonga, or ballrooms, throughout the city as well as in theaters and cafes. The tango is a deeply Argentinian example of music, dance, and culture. 

Food and Drink

Buenos Aires is renowned for its grass-fed beef. The city offers many opportunities for you to dine at one of the parrillas, or steakhouses, which are known internationally for their outstanding beef. Of course, this culinary melting pot offers more than a memorable steak.

Thanks to the Italian influence you’ll find ample opportunity to dine on fresh pasta dishes. There are street foods such as empanadas and chorizo sausage sandwiches called Choripan. A delicious and savory vegetable dish called pastel al barre is another tasty example of Buenos Aires fare. 

There’s a current trend in the US celebrating Yerba Mate, a native drink that predates the European migration to Argentina. You’ll want to try some of this bitter coffee-like beverage. And of course, Argentinian wines are a must-sip. (More about that later!)

Buenos Aires is a world within itself with so much to offer. This vibrant, exciting tapestry of culture, history and charm awaits. Come and experience it for yourself!

Looking for a new adventure? Check our South American Wine Adventure